What is the New Covenant?

A promise from God

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised a new covenant: “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33). Hebrews chapter 8 explains that this promise was fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

How it differs from the Old Covenant

In the Old Covenant, God’s law was written on tablets of stone. People were to obey in their own strength, and failed again and again. The law showed what was right but gave no power to do it.

In the New Covenant, God himself writes his law on the heart. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus we receive forgiveness, and through the Holy Spirit we receive power to live a new life. It is no longer about outward rules but about a changed heart.

What it means in everyday life

Living in the New Covenant means following Jesus as a disciple every day: saying no to conscious sin, forgiving, being humble, loving our neighbour, and letting God shape our home, our work and our thought life.

It also means being part of a church – a family where we bear with one another, not an organisation we attend.

How we learn more

We read the Bible together, especially Hebrews, the Gospels and the letters. We have been greatly helped by the teaching of Brother Zac Poonen, which puts the New Covenant at the centre.

• Zac PoonenBooks, sermons and articles on the New Covenant.
• BooksFree books on the New Covenant and discipleship.
• QuestionsAsk your own question about the faith.